Apple Recipes You Can’t Say No To

Apples are one of the most versatile fruits you can cook or bake with. They can be sweet or tart, crisp or soft, depending on the type and how you use them. From breakfast to dessert, they work well in all kinds of recipes.

There’s a lot you can make with apples—classic pies, baked oatmeal, crisp salads, or even savory dishes like pork with apples. They hold up well to baking, pair nicely with spices like cinnamon, and add natural sweetness without much effort.

Whether you have a few apples to use up or want to try something different, there are plenty of ways to make them shine. These recipes are great for everyday meals, weekend baking, or seasonal treats. Apples bring flavor, texture, and a bit of comfort to the kitchen.

Puff Pastry Apple Pie

This version of apple pie uses flaky puff pastry instead of traditional crust, giving it a light, crispy texture that pairs perfectly with tender, spiced apples. It bakes quickly and looks impressive with minimal effort. You can cut it into slices or squares for easy serving. A great shortcut when you’re short on time but still want something homemade.
Get the Recipe: Puff Pastry Apple Pie

Apple mug cake

A quick treat you can make in minutes, this mug cake brings all the cozy apple and cinnamon flavors in a single-serving size. Just mix, microwave, and you’ve got a warm dessert ready to go. It’s perfect when you want something sweet without making a whole batch. Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream if you’re feeling fancy.
Get the Recipe: Apple mug cake

Mock Apple Pie

Surprisingly, this pie has no apples at all—crackers stand in for the fruit, but once baked with sugar and spice, you’d hardly notice the difference. The flavor and texture closely mimic a traditional apple pie. It’s an old-school recipe that still holds up today. Great for when you’re out of apples but craving a slice.
Get the Recipe: Mock Apple Pie

Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake

This cake starts with a layer of caramel and apple slices that bakes into a sticky, rich topping once flipped out of the pan. The cake underneath is soft and lightly spiced, soaking up all the apple goodness. It’s a beautiful dessert that doesn’t need frosting or extras. Just serve it warm and you’re all set.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake

Blackberry Apple Crisp

Juicy blackberries and tender apples bake together under a buttery oat topping for a sweet-tart dessert with great texture. The fruit softens as it bakes while the topping turns golden and crunchy. Best served warm with a little ice cream or yogurt on top. A nice mix of fruit flavors that works well year-round.
Get the Recipe: Blackberry Apple Crisp

Apple Cupcakes with Maple Buttercream

These soft cupcakes are full of apple flavor and topped with a maple-spiked frosting that complements them perfectly. The combination brings just the right amount of sweetness without being too heavy. They’re great for fall gatherings or anytime you want a cozy dessert. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or chopped nuts for a little extra flair.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cupcakes with Maple Buttercream

Apple Cinnamon Muffins

A go-to breakfast option that’s just as good as a snack. These muffins are moist, lightly sweet, and filled with chunks of apple and a hint of cinnamon. They bake up with golden tops and a soft inside. Easy to pack, freeze, or enjoy warm with butter.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cinnamon Muffins

Apple Galette

A rustic, free-form pie that’s easy to put together and even easier to enjoy. Sliced apples are layered on a simple pastry base and folded at the edges for a casual yet elegant look. The edges bake up crisp while the center stays soft and fruity. Serve with whipped cream or on its own—either way, it’s a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Apple Galette

French Apple Cake

This cake is soft, moist, and filled with chunks of apple throughout. It’s less sweet than typical American desserts, making it a perfect option with coffee or tea. The top bakes into a golden crust with a tender middle. A dusting of powdered sugar is all it needs.
Get the Recipe: French Apple Cake

Apple Cinnamon Brownies

A twist on the classic brownie, this version is soft and chewy with cinnamon-spiced apple chunks folded into the batter. It’s more cake-like than your typical chocolate brownie, but just as easy to love. The apples bring moisture and a hint of natural sweetness. Great for lunchboxes or casual get-togethers.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cinnamon Brownies

Apple Crumb Galette

This galette has a crumb topping that adds a little extra crunch to the classic apple and pastry combo. It’s somewhere between a pie and a crisp—less fussy, but still full of flavor. A drizzle of glaze or caramel sauce on top works well if you want to dress it up. Simple and satisfying from the first bite.
Get the Recipe: Apple Crumb Galette

Almond apple cake with apple roses

This cake stands out visually thanks to the delicate apple roses layered on top. Beneath the design is a soft, almond-flavored cake that pairs beautifully with the fruit. It looks more complicated than it is, making it perfect for special occasions. A light dusting of sugar before baking adds just the right touch.
Get the Recipe: Almond apple cake with apple roses

Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Classic cinnamon rolls get an upgrade with bits of apple baked into the swirl. The apples soften and caramelize, adding a fresh twist to the familiar favorite. They’re perfect for breakfast or brunch, especially warm out of the oven. A simple glaze on top ties everything together.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Brownie

This layered treat combines a rich brownie base with creamy cheesecake and sweet caramel apple topping. The result is a dense, flavor-packed square that checks all the dessert boxes. It’s rich enough to share but hard to put down. A great make-ahead option for parties or holidays.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Apple Cheesecake Brownie

Tasty Cinnamon Apple Swirl Cake

This bundt-style cake features swirls of apple and cinnamon throughout, giving each slice a pretty pattern and big flavor. The texture is moist and tender, and it keeps well for a few days. It’s great for brunch or an afternoon treat. A glaze or powdered sugar topping finishes it off nicely.
Get the Recipe: Tasty Cinnamon Apple Swirl Cake

Butterscotch Apple Crisp

Sweet apples baked with a rich butterscotch crumble topping give this crisp a cozy, caramel-like flavor. It’s a step up from your usual fruit crisp thanks to the extra depth from the butterscotch. Serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream for an easy crowd-pleaser. Leftovers are great for breakfast, too.
Get the Recipe: Butterscotch Apple Crisp

Elegant Apple Tart

This tart features thinly sliced apples arranged over a buttery crust, baked until golden and glossy. It’s as visually impressive as it is tasty, but surprisingly simple to make. A light glaze or dusting of sugar is all it needs. Perfect for a dinner party or holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Elegant Apple Tart

Instant Pot Apple Pie Cheesecake

This pressure cooker dessert combines two favorites: creamy cheesecake and spiced apple pie topping. The Instant Pot makes the process easier and keeps the cheesecake extra smooth. It’s rich, flavorful, and doesn’t require turning on the oven. Chill before serving for the best texture.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Apple Pie Cheesecake

Apple Cream Scones

These tender scones are made with cream and packed with small apple chunks for flavor in every bite. They’re crisp on the outside, soft in the middle, and lightly sweet. Perfect with tea, coffee, or on their own as a quick breakfast. Add a glaze or sugar on top if you like a little extra sweetness.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cream Scones

Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Just a few ingredients layered in a pan—no mixing required. This dump cake features tender apples, gooey caramel, and a golden cake topping. Serve it warm with ice cream or let it cool and enjoy straight from the pan. It’s about as easy as baking gets, with big payoff in flavor.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Apple Dump Cake